Smartphone Heartbleed Security Flaw

Bugs and viruses are a common occurrence in the industry of smartphones and tablets. However, when a bug or anything tries to compromise security, it becomes a big issue especially with today’s smartphone trends where sensitive information such as contact details, addresses, and bank account numbers are stored on its servers.

The Heartbleed security flaw involves a sort of hole in an OS’s SSL system which leaves the security walls down for viruses or hackers to enter. The Heartbleed bug is acquired through any possible means, app downloading being the most common, but also considering text messaging, websites, or through e-mail. There is no specific way to avoid this bug, and if it is not acquired, it is purely luck.

Google smartphones have admitted that they are affected by the Heartbleed bug, specifically in their OS version 4.1.1 which was hit the worst. The Heartbleed bug issue was fixed in the coming out of the next version of Google the version 4.1.2 and all versions thereafter. However, people who have not upgraded the 4.1.1 version or who are stuck there may receive patchwork from Google’s Android.

They have admitted that XenMobile App Controller 2.9 and 2.10 versions are the most likely to be affected by the Heartbleed bug and are currently working on plans to remove this issue from their servers.

They have announced the immunity of the AirWatch MDM but have kept mum on updates on their other models.

Unaffected by Heartbleed:

Apple iOS

Blackberry

Good Technology

IBM

Microsoft

MovileIron

If your unit is on the list of models that might be affected by the Heartbleed bug, the issue could be resolved simply by updating your OS version. But if you are stuck, even if it might be just by luck that you may avoid the Heartbleed virus, it still won’t hurt to do your best to try. There are anti-virus software and programs that are compatible to smartphones besides your build in OS anti-virus. Ensure your phone is at full effectiveness and remains that way by downloading one of these anti-viruses.

If you have a model that might be at risk, as the ones mentioned above, it might be best to remove sensitive information from your phone such as bank account apps, PayPal, e-Bay, Kindle, or anything that might involve making a payment. If you think your phone may already be affected, check your OS installation; if it is one of the above mentioned versions, then delete your information if you still can and quickly call your manufacturer or going to their help center might be a bit easier to ask about possible resolutions to this problem and to confirm whether or not you really do have the Heartbleed bug. Your company might already have a resolution or a patch up job for this anyway.